Verdict from 9.8 hours of research from the internet

77
Decent!
1487 users: 3.9 / 5

6 reasons to buy

  • The majority of the Merrell Hydrotrekker reviews speak of its incredible comfort level.
  • Many hikers give it high ratings for its lightweight construction.
  • It's a nice shoe for short hikes on relatively even terrain, according to some.
  • Several reviewers say that they love how this shoe looks.
  • The Merrell Hydrotrekker sandals deliver fine grip on mud, dirt, sand, and forest trails. 
  • A handful of customers are satisfied by its ability to dry quickly.

1 reasons not to buy

  • A significant number of users have had issues with the sole falling apart after some time of use.

Bottom line

A hiking shoe that you can use in and around water, the Merrell Hydrotrekker gets great feedback for being downright comfortable. It has gotten the approval of hikers and outdoor lovers who want a lightweight trail-capable shoe that they can use on diverse terrain, from forest trails to beaches, and rivers. A big bonus is its stylish look, which appeals to outdoor goers and casual wearers alike.

It's a great water hiking shoe overall, though it's much more suited for milder terrain.

 

Tip: see the best hiking shoes.

User reviews:

REI, Jack Rabbit and 16 other shops don't have user reviews

-The Merrell Hydrotrekker is made of water-friendly synthetic and mesh upper that is comfortable and quick-drying. It also features Hydramorph midsole channels and holes for efficient water disposal and ventilation.

-This hiker also comes with a removable contoured EVA insole for added support and comfort. The insole has a water-friendly top cover for durability.

-Designed for both the water and the trail, the Hydrotrekker uses the M-Select Wet Grip outsole that delivers reliable traction on wet and dry surfaces.

The Merrell Hydrotrekker is a low-top hiker for men and women that is available in medium-widths. It has a soft, flexible upper that promotes freedom of movement and a lace-up closure for a custom fit. There's also a pull loop at the back for easy on and off.

This water-friendly hiker from Merrell has the M Select WET GRIP outsole which features multidirectional lugs that bite into wet and dry surfaces, including rocks, gravel, sand, and dirt. There are also water channels in various zones for quick dispersal of water. This rubber outsole is slip-resistant, which is very important to prevent slipping on slick rocks and wet surfaces.

Such outsole has a relatively shallow depth (3.5) so it is ideal for hard surfaces, such as rocks, packed dirt, and concrete.

The Hydrotrekker has a midsole made of compressed ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). It's a foam-like material that is lightweight, flexible, and cushions the foot nicely. The major advantage of EVA over other shock-attenuating materials is its lightness. Light hiking footwear is great for day hiking when you're not carrying a heavy backpack as it promotes freedom of movement without slowing you down. Unique to the Hydroktrekker midsole is the presence of holes and ports that don't just channel water out but also promote ventilation so the shoe dries quickly.

Featuring a fully synthetic upper, this hiking shoe dries easily once exposed to water. The mesh lining delivers utmost breathability. Giving support and structure to the shoe are the synthetic overlays. Also completing the upper is a webbing lacing system that provides a secure fit that can be adjusted whenever needed.

Merrell offers different models of water hiking shoes and sandals. All of them feature slip-resistant soles but they differ in upper construction. In particular, some are made with leather uppers while others are purely made of rubber. Determining the terrain your tackling, your hiking goals, and your experience should help you decide the best type of water hiking shoe for you.

Size and fit

True to size based on 48 user votes
Small (1%)
True to size (85%)
Large (12%)
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Fit
Tight Loose

How Hydrotrekker compares

This shoe: 77
All shoes average: 85
58 99
This shoe: $90
All shoes average: $131
$45 $250
This shoe: 12.9oz
All shoes average: 13.9oz
6.5oz 23.3oz
Author
Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto

Paul loves adventure. Over the past 20 years, he has climbed, hiked, and ran all over the world. He’s summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races. He has worked in the outdoor industry as a whitewater and hunting guide, gear tester, copywriter, and outfitting specialist at places like The National Outdoor Leadership School, No Barriers USA, and Sierra Trading Post. He has been quoted in NYMag, NBCNews, and Business Insider to name a few.

paul@runrepeat.com